Multi-layer Heating Mat for Providing Therapeutic Heat to an Area of the Body

ABSTRACT

A heating mat that, by making use of a multilayered structure, is able to provide therapeutic benefits to a user. The heating mat has a waterproof base layer, a heating layer, PEMF emitters, and a primary therapeutic layer. The primary therapeutic layer uses therapeutic stones and a stone harness to maintain the therapeutic stones in a position that facilitates treatment. The waterproof base layer is a water-impervious membrane that prevents external fluids from damaging the electronic components of the heating mat. The heating layer functions as a flexible heating element for the heating mat and is mounted across the waterproof base layer. The PEMF emitters are devices which generate pulses of EM energy that are known to have therapeutic properties. The PEMF emitters are mounted in between the waterproof base and the heating layer. The primary therapeutic layer is mounted across the heating layer, opposite to the waterproof base layer.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patentapplication Ser. No. 62/393,334 filed on Sep. 12, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a therapeutic heating mat.More specifically, the present invention relates to a heating mat thatmakes use of the therapeutic properties of precious stones to benefit auser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Traditional heating mats function as multipurpose devices. A singleheating mat can be employed to warm a user on a cold night. The sameheating mat could be used as a therapeutic aid for stiff or soremuscles. Well-designed heating mats can even be incorporated intopillows and seat cushions. These devices are useful, yet they can beimproved upon.

The present invention, the multi-layer heating mat for providingtherapeutic heat to an area of the body, combines the functionality ofthe heating mat with the therapeutic benefits that can be gained fromprecious stones, semi-precious stones, and naturally semi-conductivegemstones. When such stones are exposed to the heat of the heating mat,the stones generate infrared and near infrared radiation. The presentinvention can be applied to any part of the user's body that requirestreatment. In addition to precious stones, the present invention employspulse electromagnetic field (PEMF) emitters to generate EM fields thatfacilitate healing. The present invention, is designed to address manytypes of ailments. As such, the present invention makes use of multiplelayers of materials known for their therapeutic properties. Finally, thepresent invention is designed to function as an aesthetically pleasingdevice and can be covered with various types of fabrics and cushionswithout losing therapeutic functionality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention withoutthe user controller.

FIG. 3 is an exploded front view of the present invention without theuser controller.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the user controller for the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of the electronic components for the presentinvention.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describingselected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limitthe scope of the present invention.

In reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, the present invention is aheating pad that makes use of therapeutic stones and PEMF emitters toproduce infrared and negative ion waves. To accomplish this, the presentinvention is designed as a pad made by stacking multiple layers ofmaterials that work in concert to augment the therapeutic capabilitiesof a traditional heating pad. The term “therapeutic stones” is usedherein to refer to gemstones and minerals including, but not limited to,amethyst, jade, and tourmaline. The therapeutic stones used in thepresent invention emit infrared waves and negative ion waves whenheated. These emissions are coupled with the electromagnetic fieldsgenerated by the PEMF emitters to facilitate health and wellness. Thearrangement of the layers of material used in the present invention isdesigned to provide a therapeutic benefit while reducing any negativeeffects of traditional heating pads. To that end, the present inventioncomprises a waterproof base layer 1, a heating layer 2, a plurality ofPEMF emitters 5, and a primary therapeutic layer 6. These components arestacked on top of each other to create a flexible apparatus that hasuses including, but not limited to, blankets, pillows, cushions, andupholstery covers.

In reference to FIG. 2, each of the layers of the present invention is aflexible sheet that is designed to serve a unique function as part of aflexible heating pad. The primary therapeutic layer 6 is a flexiblesheet that has embedded therapeutic stones. Specifically, the primarytherapeutic layer 6 comprises a plurality of therapeutic stones 7 and astone harness 8. In the present invention, the waterproof base layer 1is a flexible membrane of waterproof material that is used to preventfluids from passing through the present invention. Additionally, thewaterproof base layer 1 forms the foundational layer onto which theremaining layers of are mounted. The heating layer 2 is a flexible sheetwith integrated heating elements. The heating layer 2 is mounted acrossthe waterproof base layer 1 so that the heating layer 2 does notshort-circuit from any liquids that could potentially be surround thepresent invention. Each of the plurality of PEMF emitters 5 is anelectronic device that produces intermittent pulses of electromagneticfields. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, theplurality of PEMF emitters 5 is mounted in between the waterproof baselayer 1 and the heating layer 2. Consequently, the position of theplurality of PEMF emitters 5 is designed to optimize the therapeuticbenefits gained from using the present invention. In an alternativeembodiment of the present invention, the plurality of PEMF emitters 5 isdistributed across multiple layers. The primary therapeutic layer 6 ismounted across the heating layer 2, opposite to the waterproof baselayer 1. As a result, the therapeutic layer 2 is mounted in a positionthat enables the heating layer 2 to transfer heat to the plurality oftherapeutic stones 7. The stone harness 8, is the sheet of material intowhich the plurality of therapeutic stones 7 is embedded. Specifically,the plurality of therapeutic stones 7 is mounted onto the heating layer2 by the stone harness 8. Thus mounted, the plurality of therapeuticstones 7 is retained in a position that facilitate therapeutic benefitsand aesthetic appeal.

In reference to FIG. 2, the heating layer 2 is able to function as asingle flexible sheet by housing a heating element within a flexibleenvelop of material. To accomplish this, the heating layer 2 comprises asheath 3 and a heating element 4. The sheath 3 is an envelope offlexible material that is used to house the heating element 4. Theheating element 4 is a flexible device used to transform electricalenergy into thermal energy. The heating element 4 is enveloped by thesheath 3. Accordingly, the sheath 3 maintains the heating element 4 in adesired position within the present invention. For example, the sheathis a fabric pouch into which the heating element 4 is inserted. Theheating element 4 is preferably a flexible cable that generates heatwhen an electrical current is supplied.

The present invention further comprises a heat-shielding layer 9. Theheat-shielding layer 9 is a sheet of material designed to prevent thetransference of thermal energy. Additionally, the heat-shielding layer 9is mounted in between the waterproof base layer 1 and the heating layer2. This location enables the heat-shielding layer 9 to limit thetransference of heat to the surface on which the present inventionrests. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, theheat-shielding layer 9 is made of aluminum sheeting. The material of theheat-shielding layer 9 can be, but is not limited to, steel, compositematerials, or ceramic insulation.

In reference to FIG. 2, to add shape, the present invention furthercomprises a semi-rigid material layer 10. The semi-rigid material layer10 is mounted in between the waterproof base layer 1 and the pluralityof PEMF emitters 5. Consequently, the semi-rigid material layer 10enables the present invention to function as a blanket without beingdeformed in a manner that damages the electrical components inside. Thesemi-rigid material layer 10 is preferably made of pressed cotton. Thesemi-rigid material layer 10 can be made of, but is not limited to,plastic, rubber, or natural fibers.

In reference to FIG. 2, the present invention further comprises aheat-distribution layer 11. The heat-distribution layer 11 is mounted inbetween the heating layer 2 and the primary therapeutic layer 6. As aresult, the heat-distribution layer 11 evenly distributes the heatgenerated by the heating layer 2 across the underside of the primarytherapeutic layer 6.

In reference to FIG. 2, the homeopathic benefits gained by use of thepresent invention are the result of a combination of three primaryfactors, heat transmission, PEMF absorption, and the emissions generatedby the plurality of therapeutic stones 7. To that end, the plurality oftherapeutic stones 7 is made of at least one material selected from thegroup consisting of: amethyst, jade, and tourmaline. The homeopathicbenefit gained from using these stones increases the present invention'stherapeutic effectiveness. The plurality of therapeutic stones 7 caninclude stones such as, but not limited to, citrine, opal, calcite, andruby.

In reference to FIG. 2, the present invention further comprises anEMF-filtering layer 12. The EMF-filtering layer 12 is a sheet ofmaterial designed to prevent the transmission of harmful EMF energy. Tothat end, the EMF-filtering layer 12 is mounted in between the heatinglayer 2 and the primary therapeutic layer 6. Thus mounted, theEMF-filtering layer 12 prevents any unwanted EMF energy from passinginto the therapeutic stones layer while permitting the transmission ofthe EMF output from the plurality of PEMF emitters 5. Preferably, theEMF-filtering layer 12 is made from copper. In a supplementaryembodiment, the EMF-filtering layer 12 is made from a material thatprevents the transmission of EMF energy.

In reference to FIG. 2, the present invention further comprises asecondary therapeutic layer 13. The secondary therapeutic layer 13 is alayer of homeopathic material that is mounted in between the heatinglayer 2 and the primary therapeutic layer 6. Accordingly, the secondarytherapeutic layer 13 augments the homeopathic benefits of the primarytherapeutic layer 6. The secondary therapeutic layer 13 is preferablymade from a material selected from the group consisting of: bamboo,carbon fiber material, and charcoal.

In reference to FIG. 2, the present invention further comprises aprotective shell layer 14 which is a piece of material that providesaesthetic appeal. The protective shell layer 14 is mounted across theprimary therapeutic layer 6, opposite to the heating layer 2 so that theprotective shell layer 14 is able to prevent the primary therapeuticlayer 2 from being scratched by an external object.

In reference to FIG. 2, the present invention further comprises at leastone temperature sensor 15 and a microcontroller 18. The at least onetemperature sensor 15 is an electronic temperature sensor that generatesan electronic reading of the temperature of the present invention. Tothat end, the at least one temperature sensor 15 is in thermalcommunication with the heating layer 2. Consequently, the at least onetemperature sensor 15 is used to measure the temperature inside thepresent invention. The microcontroller 18 is a processing device capableof communicating with and controlling the other electronic components ofthe present invention. As such, the at least one temperature sensor 15is electronically connected to the microcontroller 18. As a result, theelectronic readings of the at least one temperature sensor 15 aretransferred to the microcontroller 18. The Microcontroller uses thisinformation to alert the user of the temperature of the heating layer 2.Additionally, the temperature data is used by the microcontroller 18 toadjust the temperature of the heating layer 2.

In reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the present invention furthercomprises the user controller 16. The user controller 16 is a userinterface device that comprises a casing 17, a microcontroller 18, and acontrol panel 19. The casing 17 is an ergonomically shaped enclosurethat is intended to fit into the hand of the user. The control panel 19is a user interface that enables the user to monitor and modify theelectrical state of the present invention. The control panel 19 isexternally mounted onto the casing 17. Thus mounted, the control panel19 facilities manipulation by the user's hands. The control panel 19 canbe any combination of user-interface devices including, but not limitedto, touchscreen displays, buttons, joysticks, and dials. Themicrocontroller 18 is mounted within the casing 17. Accordingly, thecasing 17 functions as a housing protecting the microcontroller 18. Themicrocontroller 18 is electronically connected to the control panel 19,the heating layer 2, and the plurality of PEMF emitters 5. Consequently,the microcontroller 18 is able to dictate the function of thesecomponents. The microcontroller 18 is able to dictate the magnitude andfrequency of the plurality of PEMF emitters 5. The electronic connectionwith the microcontroller 18 enables the microcontroller 18 to modify thetemperature of the heating layer 2. Additionally, the microcontroller 18interprets any data transmitted by the electronic components of thepresent invention. This enables the microcontroller 18 to output thissystem information to the user through the control panel 19. The usercontroller 16 further comprises a display device 20. The display device20 is an electronic component for visually relaying information to theuser. The display device 20 is externally mounted onto the casing 17,offset from the control panel 19. As a result, the display device 20 ismaintained in a position that facilitates visual inspection by the user.The microcontroller 18 is electronically connected to the display device20 so that the display device 20 is able to present the user withinformation about the state of the present invention.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferredembodiment, it is to be understood that many other possiblemodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-layer heating mat for providingtherapeutic heat to an area of the body comprises: a waterproof baselayer; a heating layer; a plurality of pulse electromagnetic field(PEMF) emitters; a primary therapeutic layer; the primary therapeuticlayer comprises a plurality of therapeutic stones and a stone harness;the heating layer being mounted across the waterproof base layer; theplurality of PEMF emitters being mounted in between the waterproof baselayer and the heating layer; the primary therapeutic layer being mountedacross the heating layer, opposite to the waterproof base layer, and theplurality of therapeutic stones being mounted onto the heating layer bythe stone harness.
 2. The multi-layer heating mat for providingtherapeutic heat to an area of the body as claimed in claim 1 comprises:the heating layer comprises a sheath and a heating element, and theheating element being enveloped by the sheath.
 3. The multi-layerheating mat for providing therapeutic heat to an area of the body asclaimed in claim 1 comprises: a heat-shielding layer, and theheat-shielding layer being mounted in between the waterproof base layerand the heating layer.
 4. The multi-layer heating mat for providingtherapeutic heat to an area of the body as claimed in claim 3, whereinthe heat-shielding layer being made of aluminum foil.
 5. The multi-layerheating mat for providing therapeutic heat to an area of the body asclaimed in claim 1 comprises: a semi-rigid material layer, and thesemi-rigid material layer being mounted in between the waterproof baselayer and the plurality of PEMF emitters.
 6. The multi-layer heating matfor providing therapeutic heat to an area of the body as claimed inclaim 5, wherein the semi-rigid material layer being made from pressedcotton.
 7. The multi-layer heating mat for providing therapeutic heat toan area of the body as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a heat-distributionlayer, and the heat-distribution layer being mounted in between theheating layer and the primary therapeutic layer.
 8. The multi-layerheating mat for providing therapeutic heat to an area of the body asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of therapeutic stones beingmade from at least one material selected from the group consisting of:amethyst, jade, and tourmaline.
 9. The multi-layer heating mat forproviding therapeutic heat to an area of the body as claimed in claim 1comprises: an EMF-filtering layer, and the EMF-filtering layer beingmounted in between the heating layer and the primary therapeutic layer.10. The multi-layer heating mat for providing therapeutic heat to anarea of the body as claimed in claim 9, wherein the EMF-filtering layerbeing made from copper.
 11. The multi-layer heating mat for providingtherapeutic heat to an area of the body as claimed in claim 1 comprises:a secondary therapeutic layer, and the secondary therapeutic layer beingmounted in between the heating layer and the primary therapeutic layer.12. The multi-layer heating mat for providing therapeutic heat to anarea of the body as claimed in claim 11, wherein the secondarytherapeutic layer being made from a material selected from the groupconsisting of: bamboo, carbon fiber material, and charcoal.
 13. Themulti-layer heating mat for providing therapeutic heat to an area of thebody as claimed in claim 1 comprises: a protective shell layer, and theprotective shell layer being mounted across the primary therapeuticlayer, opposite to the heating layer.
 14. The multi-layer heating matfor providing therapeutic heat to an area of the body as claimed inclaim 1 comprises: at least one temperature sensor; a microcontroller;the at least one temperature sensor being in thermal communication withthe heating layer, and the at least one temperature sensor beingelectronically connected to the microprocessor.
 15. The multi-layerheating mat for providing therapeutic heat to an area of the body asclaimed in claim 1 comprises: a user controller; the user controllercomprises a casing, a microcontroller, and a control panel; the controlpanel being externally mounted onto the casing; the microcontrollerbeing mounted within the casing, and the microcontroller beingelectronically connected to the control panel, the heating layer, andthe plurality of PEMF emitters.
 16. The multi-layer heating mat forproviding therapeutic heat to an area of the body as claimed in claim 15comprises: the user controller further comprises a display device; thedisplay device being externally mounted into the casing, offset from thecontrol panel, and the microprocessor being in electronically connectedto the display device.